How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I was at my daughter's house and she had the tv on. A commercial came on about bariatric surgery and I called the number for the information packet to be sent to me. The people on there really seem to care so I thought why not.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

It was really easy as Winona Hospital in Indianapolis did all the work for me. Just be persistant and you'll finally get your insurance to approve.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

Everyone was really nice and informative. Just be yourself and BE HONEST with the doctors.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I WANT TO LIVE!!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The silastic vertical banding or SRVG. I guess that's what it's called. I investigated the surgery, the different types, pros and cons of it all for around a month or two before deciding.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

None, because my faith in God and the approval of my Pastor were all I needed to make it through.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

Some weren't sure about it but they finally came around. Now, they all see the results and are behind me all the way.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I am retired, so I did not have that problem

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

The stay in the hospital was very nice and I was there for five days. You need to bring underwear, slippers, pajamas, and a robe, deodrant, toothbrush, toothpaste and a pillow for the ride home.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I was sick after waking up from the surgery but that's only because of the nasalgastro tube down my nose to my stomach. I'd never had one before and it gagged me so I kept throwing up. It does not affect all people like that.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I just kept my self busy until the day finally approached.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

I had bought a toilet extender for the toilet, and rented a recliner. I have degenerative disease and have trouble getting up and down but a normal healthy person would be alright. I took nothing for pain cause I really didn't hurt. The eating isn't that bad and besides it's for my health/.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

25 minute drive

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

this is only my third week post-op and it's been okay. I eat two ounces of food per meal. You must have your protein at all three meals plus a fruit, vegetable and starch. For instance, at breakfast you can have one ounce protein and one ounce starch. In between meals you can have crystal lite, decaf coffee, decaf tea, water, sugar free popsicles, and your three protein drinks.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

Somewhat still slow.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

You are required to chew four chewable childrens complete vitamins a day for four months, then two a day for the rest of your life

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I have not had any of them

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Trying to get out of bed.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

The support groups of Winlife at Winona hospital. It is very important.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

It goes from the middle of my breasts to the top of my belly button. It's okay, although I thought it would be smaller.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't know, I haven't been out yet.